Odette Adams takes centre stage at Jazz Hastings

Singer-songwriter Odette Adams, whose fresh, vibrant and summery sound has been compared to the likes of Joni Mitchell and Erika Badu, will be taking centre stage at Jazz Hastings August session, writes Julian Norridge.

Odette’s first album, A Shake Of The Hand, received a glowing review from Sunday Times music critic Clive Davis: “… a chain of sun-kissed original numbers full of the verve and energy of R&B but with none of its bombast or cliches”.

Odette spent four years travelling the world, paying her way by working as a singer on cruise ships and using her free time on those long voyages to concentrate on her playing and writing. Her travels have fundamentally influenced the sound of her music. These songs do not sit entirely in any particular genre, but sound very confident where they are.

Odette’s music has a free style that incorporates folk, jazz, world music and other influences from her very wide musical taste. Brand new songs – many of which will feature on her new album due out next year – will be introduced in this engaging live performance alongside some established classics.

Accompanied by her wonderful band, Odette has already completed two very well received tours of jazz venues and arts centres throughout the UK. In the last few months she has made her debut at such iconic jazz venues as Ronnie Scott’s and the Dean Street Pizza Express.

Odette’s vocal arrangement skills have brought her into the world of community choirs, and she runs singing groups for adults in south-west London.

For this unmissable performance, Odette will be accompanied by Kartik Raghunathan on violin and vocals, Matt Chandler on acoustic guitar, Dave Jones on bass and Eric Ford on drums and percussion.

Odette Adams and Her Band Jazz Hastings, Tuesday 6 August, East Hastings Sea Angling Association (on the Stade behind the lifeboat station). Doors open 7.45pm for 8.30 start, tickets £10 on the door, £3 for under 18s.

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